Monte Beriain Summit
At 1,495 metres, Beriain is the highest peak of the Sierra de Andía and rewards a moderately challenging hike with a panorama that stretches from the Pyrenees on a clear day all the way south to the plains of the Ebro valley. The telecommunications mast at the top is the only sign of modern life in an otherwise wild landscape.
The Climb
The most popular route starts from the Puerto de Olazagutía pass, reachable in about 20 minutes by car from Alsasua, and follows a well-marked trail of roughly 7 km round trip with 450 metres of elevation gain.
The path moves through open limestone grassland grazed by the hardy Latxa sheep whose milk goes into the famous Idiazabal cheese — you will almost certainly share the trail with a flock.
Early morning starts are rewarded with the best visibility and the chance to see griffon vultures riding the first thermals above the ridge.
What You See from the Top
On a clear winter day after a cold front has swept through, the entire Cantabrian range appears as a white wall to the north while the Pyrenean peaks line the eastern horizon — bring binoculars.
The valley of Sakana directly below contains Alsasua and its railway junction, and you can trace the old Roman road that once connected the Meseta to the Bay of Biscay.
Sunset from Beriain in summer, when the sky turns pink over the Ebro basin, is the kind of moment that makes people extend their trips.
More of Alsasua
Discover where to stay, what to do and the best deals for your trip.
Explore Alsasua →
